'Want us to send you to US to see?' SC unsparing on Delhi, UP govts

The Supreme Court on Wednesday slammed the Chief Secretaries of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi over stubble burning. "This is the capital of India. It cannot be ignored like this," the two-judge bench said, asking further, "You want us to send you to America on government funds so you can see and learn how they deal with such things in villages?"

"Days of pollution are still to come (winter). We need Delhi clean. This happens in cities but it shouldn't be the case in the capital," the bench said, also slamming the Chief Secretaries of Haryana and Punjab over stubble burning, apart from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

SC summons Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, UP

Addressing the issue of the high pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court of India on Monday, November 4, summoned the Chief Secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana over the issue of stubble burning. The SC has directed the Central Government and Delhi Government to tackle the issue of pollution and smog in the national capital with the help of experts. Stubble burning is apparently found the most in these three states, leading to increased pollution levels. 

Read: SC calls for urgent Centre & State govt action into pollution crisis

Farmers' refusal to stop stubble burning

Earlier, groups of farmers in the northern states of Punjab and Haryana had stated that they will continue burning their crop residue irrespective of actions taken against them by the State Governments. Stubble burning picks up in early winter as farmers clear their fields to make way for winter crops. The smoke from this has been contributing to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Read: SC questions logic behind the Delhi govt's Odd-Even; Seeks report

Delhi's Air Quality worsens

According to the AQI data on November 6, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in the 'poor' category in the Lodhi Road area. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. An AQI above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category. Taking cognisance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR after it crossed the "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on November 1 declared a public health emergency.

Read: Haryana village: Dalit community members facing social boycott move SC

Read: SC asks CBI to file status report in Rajiv Gandhi assasination case